The Catholic Morning Show crew hosts an impromptu Iowa State Fair round table with Sunday Dive host Katie Patrizio, previewing the 2026 Fair's top new food finalists, live music, and this year's official Vatican-approved Pope Leo cutout. Alexia Baker and Deacon Mark Campbell share fair-going tips and how to enter Iowa Catholic Radio's grandstand ticket giveaway. It's everything Central Iowa Catholics need to know ahead of the August 13–23 Fair in Des Moines.
Save the Date: August 13–23, 2026 The Iowa State Fair returns to Des Moines for 11 days, celebrating America's 250th birthday with a "Fair Spirit" theme throughout the grounds.
Find Us at the Fair Stop by the Iowa Catholic Radio booth, just west of the Anne and Bill Riley Stage. Follow along on social media this week for the announcement of this year's Grandstand ticket giveaway.
2026's Top New Foods A panel of judges narrowed more than 80 entries down to three finalists for Best New Food, with fairgoer voting August 13–19 and the winner announced August 21:
Live Music & Fair Favorites The Grandstand welcomes The Red Clay Strays with special guest The Bends on Saturday, August 15. Elsewhere on the grounds, catch the always-popular Twins Contest on opening morning at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, and a full lineup of free entertainment across the fairgrounds.
Follow Along Catch Iowa Catholic Radio's viral Pope cutout moments and more on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
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